Recall 25V659 affects 135,386 2024-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs for an improperly installed starter terminal cover. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 135,386 2024-2025 Santa Fe SUVs because the B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly can be installed incorrectly. In a crash, that cover can allow an electrical short and increase the risk of a fire; Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly is a protective cap over a live electrical connection. On 2024-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs, the starter uses battery power to turn the engine when you start the vehicle. The cover keeps that positive terminal from touching nearby metal parts in the engine compartment.
For NHTSA campaign 25V659, Hyundai says the cover on affected vehicles was not installed securely enough during assembly. If the terminal is partly exposed during a crash, it can contact nearby components, including the cooling fan motor housing. That contact can create an electrical short, with smoke or thermal damage in the engine compartment.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to hear, smell, or see a symptom that proves the cover is out of position before a crash. The repair check focuses on whether the cover is seated correctly over the starter motor terminal.
Who's affected?
Both model years use the same battery wire harness part named in the recall.
| 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe | electrical system |
| Units affected | 135,386 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short in the starter motor terminal cover raises the risk of a fire. There is no warning sign before failure, so treat the recall as a repair to schedule promptly once your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free starter motor terminal cover inspection and reinstallation that addresses the improperly installed B+ positive terminal cover.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V659 and Hyundai recall 285 when you call.
- Call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 with questions about the free inspection and repair.
- Keep your service paperwork after the dealer completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician inspects the starter motor B+ positive terminal cover and reinstalls it when it is not seated correctly. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. If you already paid out of pocket for a related starter motor terminal cover repair before the recall notice, Hyundai's general reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring your repair paperwork to the service desk or contact Hyundai customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 2, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 4, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 22, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 1, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| December 1, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V659?
Recall 25V659 covers 135,386 2024-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles with a starter motor B+ positive terminal cover that was improperly installed. In a crash, that condition can cause an electrical short and increase fire risk. Hyundai dealers will inspect and reinstall the cover for free.
What should I do if my 2024-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Santa Fe is included in recall 25V659. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the starter motor terminal cover inspection and reinstallation. Reference Hyundai recall 285 or campaign 25V659 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the Hyundai Santa Fe recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Hyundai will inspect and reinstall the starter motor terminal cover free of charge at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 25V659?
The safety risk is fire after a crash. Hyundai reported that an improperly installed B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly can allow an electrical short during a crash, which increases fire risk. The dealer repair corrects the terminal cover installation.
What if I bought my 2024-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Santa Fe is included, then contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and reference recall 25V659 or Hyundai recall 285.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V659000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V659 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V659000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →